Business · Wiltshire-wide
Bristol aircraft firm scales up production at Cotswold Airport
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Vertical Aerospace is advancing its Valo electric flying taxi programme with new supply chain deals and increased manufacturing capacity at its Gloucestershire site.
Vertical Aerospace, the Bristol-based company leading the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has secured two significant supply chain partnerships as it shifts focus towards commercial production. The business, which recently established a major assembly centre at Cotswold Airport, is working to bring its four-to-six seater Valo aircraft to market by its target date of 2029.
The company has confirmed long-term agreements with South Korean seating specialist ANH Structure and German navigation systems provider NG LITEF. Under the new arrangements, ANH Structure will design and manufacture bespoke pilot and passenger seats, while NG LITEF will provide the aircraft’s inertial reference systems, which are critical for flight positioning and safety data.
Stuart Simpson, chief executive of Vertical Aerospace, described the additions as a vital step in strengthening the firm’s industrial capabilities. He stated that these partnerships support the company’s broader strategy to deliver a versatile aircraft platform capable of operating across various cabin configurations and flight missions.
These developments follow the opening of the company’s Gloucestershire Aircraft Assembly Centre last month. The site represents a strategic transition for the firm, which is moving away from the initial design and prototype testing phase to focus on the industrial processes required for certification and large-scale manufacturing. The facility is expected to play a central role as Vertical Aerospace pushes towards achieving Type Certification for the Valo programme in 2029.
The company, founded a decade ago by Ovo Energy founder Stephen Fitzpatrick, currently holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the aircraft from global customers, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Avolon. In addition to these commercial milestones, the business recently bolstered its financial position with a 65 million dollar injection of capital from existing stakeholders, including Mudrick Capital Management and Yorkville Advisors.
Beyond the passenger-focused Valo model, the company is continuing to explore hybrid-electric and autonomous variants designed for both commercial and defence sectors. As the firm integrates its new supply chain partners, it maintains existing collaborations with industry leaders such as Honeywell, Syensqo, and Sonaca to support the final stages of the aircraft’s development.
Source: Bristol Post — Business · View original